Okay, so as a backstory, I would first like to make the disclaimer that I know what I did was wrong and I had no excuse to do it, though I had several reasons. I'm not going to try to get my way out of my situation by making excuses. Keep that in mind. Also, I realize each state in the US (and of course other countries and territories) have different traffic laws; I'm just getting an amalgamation of the general consensus.

So, after having been pulled over two months ago, my court date is tomorrow. You see, I got my learner's permit back in May with the intention of getting my license shortly thereafter. The DMV gave me a nightmare with screwing up my name and my files and whatnot (which has resulted in me having two licenses; but that's a story for another day).

Anyway, I was driving the usual 7 minute drive to work one day (yes, alone; we have two cars and three people with jobs, so it doesn't always balance out. Again, a reason, not an excuse) and was pulled over by a cop. I was so scared. My driving was perfect, but he was just giving me a friendly verbal notice that my (mom's) brakelights were out. Fair enough. He didn't ask for anything, and I almost needed a change of pants. Since my mom and I work in the same place, I relayed her the information since we didn't know and I urged her to either buy brakelights or tell me what to buy and I'll pay for it.

Fast forward to four days later. Since my mom had taken the car to an auto parts shop with the intent of buying brakelights, I assumed she had. Not so. On my way home from work, I was pulled over again; same thing. He was just letting me know once more. This time, however, since I explained that I was pulled over earlier, he said that he was gonna give me a warning just so that it would be on the record and another cop can't bother me. He said that he could tell it's not my fault and I'm trying to get it fixed, but he just figured this would be easier.

He said in a friendly tone, "I just need to see your license and I'll give it back shortly." I casually handed my permit to him, and he said, "Why does this license say 'Class CP'? This is an instructional permit. You shouldn't be driving alone," I was shocked, 'cause I figured it was more or less the same as Florida, where you could drive to and from work on a permit (I was also in my work uniform). I explained that, but I told him I understood that he needs to enforce the law and I apologized for not being read up on Georgia state law after moving from Florida.

So then I was issued a ticket and given a court date for July 21st. The reason for the ticket now is that I was driving on a permit, obviously. Then I went home and cried for the rest of the day (the fact that I would be paying a potentially heavy fine lingered in my mind, since I am saving money for my boyfriend to come to the US in November).

As many near my end of the International Dateline know: Tomorrow is July 21st. I have no idea what transpires in traffic court or what could possibly be my punishment. Now, I know the laws are different, but I was just curious concerning anyone's knowledge in their own state/territory/country of what could happen, what I could get, etc.

My mom claims it's a 'fixable' ticket and that by showing the license I do now possess, I may have my fine reduced drastically. I'm wondering if I should be as optimistic as she is. I know that if the cop doesn't show up, you only have to pay processing fees, so while I'm not putting my hopes on that, I am hopeful. Other than that, I'm just curious as to the overall protocol of being in a traffic court (for any infraction, really). I feel so gross... I'm not a criminal... I just needed to get to work.

I'm just thinking of dressing moderately nice and being well-presented; something I have absolutely no problem doing.

EDIT: Also, sorry for the long thread; I tend to ramble. And also, I know we shouldn't admit to criminal activity, but I hardly see this as admitting to anything that criminal or sinister. However, if I am wrong... erm... you know.

Just explain what happened just as you did here and then show the judge that you do in fact have a real license. You do have a real license right? Wait, you don't have a license. Figure on paying a $100 or so fine.

Courts are for examine the evidence of the case, not just ruling on what the cop says. So, present your side and don't worry about it.

As for fines, those can be handled by Traffic School as an alternative, if that is offered.

And, tell your mom to fix those darn lights. Equipment violations are usually thrown out if they are taken care of before you go to court and show evidence of the remedy.

And, remember, they can't take away your Birthday, or throw you in Jail, or take your license away for this infraction.

If you luck out and the cop does not show up to the court, then the case will be thrown out. But, don't count on it unless there is a crime spree as they are scheduled to be in court for all their cases in one session, so they usually show up.

That is quite relieving. I do have a real license; two, actually. They put the wrong name on my first one (made my name the Spanish version of my name instead) and made me bring a birth certificate to them the next day to fix it (oddly enough, I had my birth certificate, previous IDs, and a passport and they used my mom's name from the car's registration). I did, but they had already sent out the first one, so I have two licenses.

I keep reminding her. To be fair, she did buy new brakelights, but now the problem is in the sockets themselves (I don't know if that's the correct term), so only our left brakelight and turn signal work. I need to investigate if I can do this on my own, 'cause she's insisting she knows a guy...

And I can really explain? I was thinking if I tried, I would look like a person full of excuses. But that is good that I can explain my side.

And I hope probation isn't a case 'cause while there are tons of probation officers out there, the one that my sister had works with us at Best Buy and he has... unclean thoughts about me...

I honestly wouldn't be too worried about it. They can't do anything serious to you, like CCNA said. It was a minor traffic violation, and you have your license now, the fine, if you even have to pay one, should be reduced by a lot.

You will be fine. Don't worry. It has been my experience that if you go and show that you are sincere and tell the truth you will do fine. Fix the lights and you have since past your driving exam you will get no more than a slap on the wrist. More than likely you will get nothing, maybe a day in traffic school (depends on the judge). Thats just been my experience in Cali though.

Of course you can explain. Telling your side of the story in court is a constitutional right. Of course the way you explain it matters. Just tell the facts calmly in a logical sequence, show the real license and show why it was messed up. Don't act persecuted or lash out. And, don't talk to much, judges are harried and most cases are over in less than 30 seconds. But, they have to listen to you, up to a point.

As for the lights, have you looked at the fuse panel? Sometimes a fuse will only handle one side of the brake lights. As for the socket, or plug, those are easily replaced, once you buy the part from the dealer. You can get them at a junk yard, but they are usually corroded and no good. You will need to take apart the back part of the trunk to get to everything, but it is not difficult.

They may suspend your liscense for a little bit. I think that's what they do in Texas. In Texas you need a 21 year old with a 1 year driving experience and has to be related to you if u have a permit. Do you have a hardship case? Maybe the judge will just give you a slap on the wrist.

You sound like you have been really cooperative throughout this.

Be sure to get any time-stamped paperwork regarding the first visit to the shop. Information on the second checkup would be good to. And try to find a solid reference to the Florida law. Excuses are reasons to hide behind. Don't try to hide, which you don't sound like you are doing.

So continue to not do what you were already not doing...and get your paper-trail.

The other thing is they will ask you to be at the court at a certain time. But, you will usually have to wait so you can see what happens in the other cases before you. Also, you may not even talk to a judge, sometimes the DA or ADA will just take you aside and go over things and then drop the case or offer a settlement. I suggest you take the offer if it is reasonable, ie no Points taken on the License, as that is what jacks up your insurance rates.

Hmmm not really up on US state traffic laws but in Canada it's pretty much known, if your driving with just a Learner's permit, anywhere, anytime with no one else that has a proper class 5 for at least a year, your breaking the law. $200 fine and 2 demerit points.

I went to court to watch how it worked once. They let real criminals go and then practically reduced an old man to tears for his traffic violation. Assuming you are made of stronger stuff, they'll listen to what you say, ignore it, read the police report and slap a fine on you, possibly with a driving ban. I'd expect it to be under 1000 and probably a lot less.

http://www.flhsmv.gov/ddl/teendriv.html, but it proved me wrong. So I wouldn't like to look like a fool in court and lose any credibility I had. You can drive to and from work on a restricted license, not a learners permit.

But other than that, from what I see (assuming Georgia isn't like Texas), I shouldn't be in too much hot water from this. I was scared I'd be fined like $300 and put on probation and lose my license.

Also, CCNA, I shall be checking that panel. I'm sick of driving all scared that the brakelights are out. My mom and I both don't like to depend on others to fix our things (she's just going with a mechanic 'cause she never has time to do anything), so this is definitely an option to explore.

Thanks guys (to the wellwishers below and above this post). I've been a bundle of nerves for the last few days 'cause I had no idea. I find solace in the fact that I constantly get complimented on my safe driving (even as far as preventing many accidents [even when another car almost crashed into me during my test, I was complimented by the instructor on how I remained calm and maneuvered well!]) and that I was pulled over for my brakelights and not for erratic driving.

Also, goodness, turns-the-page and Galuf, the Commonwealth really hates traffic violations, don't they? A $1000 fine (I'm going to pretend you mean US dollars because pounds would kill me) would eat up my life savings!

I do know that in Georgia, especially where I live, cops tend to be somewhat strict, and the law in general, so wish me luck! I suppose this can be closed now, unless people wanna swap stories about these sorts of things. Providing it's allowed. And not illegal things.

I know how you feel. I had a hearing last March (March 21st I think??) and I was absolutely [censored]ting in my pants while I stood there in a room with about 15 officers. Fortunately the cop who issued me the citation (?) didn't show up and I didn't pay anything. I was facing $323 if he showed up for smoking in a club.

What can I say? Be HONEST. I was gonna lie if he showed up but when I got there I just couldn't, heart was beating like I was on cocaine. So be honest, no lying, they'll notice immediately.

The rule we've learned from this? Never brake.

Sorry pet I know you're upset about it; I would be too. But good luck for everything tomorrow and what CC has said is absolutely right - if you show you've tried to fix it they'll be very lenient. Also the fact you have a genuine reason for now knowing the rules may work in your favour too. I hope it all works out hon.

I find http://graphjam.com/2009/11/30/funny-graphs-policeman-lights/ to be true. Except the cops in our state don't even bother to turn their lights on when they speed.

I go the speed limit, that way I don't have to be on the look out for speed traps. It makes my day when some shameless speeder in his or her fancy car gets pulled over for going 10 to 20mph over the limit. Still, 55mph limit on a major highway is retarded.

And they are paving 495 again, which they paved last year. Meanwhile, route 2 is crumbling and falling apart and hasn't been paved since the last ice age. :shakehead:

EDIT: Well, okay, route 2 eastbound of my town has been repaved. Westbound is still a mess. I'm so glad they felt it was more important to put up more (redundant!) highway signs than to fix the pot holes. [/sarcasm]

I meant ￡1000 but then I would imagine it would be a lot less than that in the US. The Americas in general seem a lot less strict about driving than Europe does. And our courts tend to be out to make the maximum amount of money from you, which is capped at ￡1000 in the lower magistrate's courts. Taking our maximum as the worst, I'd expect the US to be more lenient.


Just make sure you never do anything wrong in France. They'll latch onto your white headlights and decide you're evil anglais, and shoot you in the face or something.

Yes. And that is accentuated with all the repeat DUI offenders.


Happened to me.

Driving home from work at 4 in the morning a cop pulled me over, I think it was a drunk check, and proceeded to question me about my purpose, route. Then told me my front left headlight (of 4 total) was out to which I replied "yes I have a trip to the shop the end of this week". Then told me my license plate light was burnt out and I could be stuck with a $200 dollar ticket and I said "I'm sorry, I didn't know it was burnt out, and I didn't know it was a law." And the night ended with him suggesting what a ticket would do to my insurance which I acknowledged and a "Drive safely".

That was weird. I wasn't even thinking about the words I was so tired. I had most of the conversation in auto-pilot

/slightly off topic story

I just want to wish you good luck tomorrow, and a fair Judge/DA/ADA/person in black shower robe..

And if ever you can't remember what you're doing, smile and wave at the judge
I'm also not the reatest advise giver in matters juditial.. but it could have been worse.

You know, I just remembered this video, it is a hoot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWLlwgTxZHw

In Iowa I believe that it is an 150 Dollar fine. But they also restrict you from getting your intermediate (16 yr. old license) for six months past your birthday. For example, if you turn 16 in January you now have to wait until June to move up. And if you get a speeding ticket or an accident when you have your intermediate license they can restrict you for a full year from your birthday from receiving your advlt license.

But we also have three stages of licenses (learner's permit, intermediate, and advlt). I don't know if every state does it like that.

Reno 911! is hilarious.

You'll be fine as has been said. Just respect the Judge's court. Keep your hands folded nicely in front of you, reply 'no' or 'yes' your Honor, and never under any circumstance plead ignorance to a law, nor disparage the duty officer.

Now for this bit:



Hooo boy!

Mail order? :hehe: I'm sorry I just couldn't help it! That would be enough chaos in my life, never mind traffic court.

Jus' chill. B)

Sounds like a very minor offense (shouldn't be any more than 100 clams... haha-hoho)

http://www.entertonement.com/clips/qlhzjmpqcm--Officer-Questions-Drunk

Famous last words...